Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Angela Cox

11/21/2020

Angela Cox – Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Karen Cox
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Angela on Project Beauty: Project Beauty really made me realize that being beautiful doesn’t mean you have no acne, the coolest clothes, and perfect teeth. Being beautiful can mean anything to you. And you only. Being beautiful doesn’t matter what others think, it is what you think when you think of yourself. Project Beauty helped me find my inner beauty and express what I had to offer on the inside and outside. Social media has really destroyed girl’s confidence because they believe they have to be perfect, but in reality, those people aren’t so perfect behind the scenes. Project beauty helped me find a better me!

Photography by Erica Land Photograph

Tell us about your dance career. When did you start, what is your favorite type of dance to perform, and what do you love most about it?
I started dancing 5 years ago and I have been inseparable from it since then. I look forward to it everyday and I have no clue what I would do if someone told me I couldn’t dance anymore. I used to absolutely love hip-hop, but 2 years ago I started heels dancing and it is my favorite thing ever. Heels and ballroom bring a sense of maturity into my dancing and I feel that it totally helped me with my overall technique and I am so glad I found it. The thing I love most about dance is that I can express myself through it and just feel the movements.

What is one of your favorite memories from dance?
My favorite memories from dance would have to be when I got my “little sister” this past year. All the older girls would get one of the little girls as their sister and at competitions we would give each other gifts and help them with their hair and makeup! Another one of my favorite memories is getting a tap scholarship for my first convention. This was my first time trying to tap so I didn’t have the shoes but I asked the teacher after if it was something I should try and just asked her things about it, since I was new to dancing. She saw passion in me and gave me the chance to try a new style! I went home and bought tap shoes and went to my first tap class, immediately loving it!

How are you planning for college and why do you feel like it's so important to start early?
I am planning for college in my education by joining my school’s psychology club, as the class is available for tenth graders. I want to work for the FBI in the BAU and learning how the mind works is the first step to getting there! I am also planning for college in my dancing by going to conventions that are college programs. What that means is that colleges get to see the dancers at the convention, sadly online this year, and give out scholarships to older students. I think it is most important to prepare for college early because it makes everything easier in the long run.

Please share with us your experience of participating in Project Beauty and what it means to you.
Project Beauty was an eye-opening experience for me. It showed me that you don’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. Everyone is beautiful in their own way. Social media really takes away girls self-confidence and destroys it with these girls with perfect lives, faces, and bodies, when the reality is that off screen their lives aren’t so perfect. Project Beauty was a wonderful thing that I think every girl out there should get to see, which is why I am so excited for this feature to be in this magazine!

How did you find out about Erica Land's teen program and what about it made you want to join? What do you love best about it?
I found out about Erica’s modeling team through my dance coach. Joining the team would give me the chance to meet new girls who love to model and boost each other's self-confidence. I met my best friend, Kendall through it. It also gives me wonderful opportunities, like Project Beauty.

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Advice I would give is to always work hard. Working hard has gotten me to where I am today. Setting goals is also extremely important. Something I like to say is I’m not where I want to be but thank god I’m not where I used to be. I think that this really shows the definition of working hard. I also think it is important to give yourself credit for everything you have done and look back on your progress because it really helps!

The first would be to make it on my high school poms team if we go back to school. The second would be to be in a music video. My last one would be to have kids because I’ve always wanted to be a mom.

The person I find the most inspiring is my mom. She works so hard at her job to provide for us and still comes home to plan these amazing dinners, activities, and unforgettable memories for me and my brothers! She is also always there when I need her and I can count on her for everything, which is why she is my best friend.

The thing that has helped me the most with keeping myself organized is definitely having a planner where I can write everything I need to do for that day and the assignments I need to complete. It helps me focus on what I have to do that day and what I have planned.

I just wanted to thank everyone for this wonderful opportunity! It is something I will never forget!

Look for Angela in Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Jiya Arora

11/20/2020

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Jiya Arora – Maryland
Nomination by Jiya Laxmi Arora
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Jiya Arora is an inspiring young woman. She excels scholastically and is a leader at school and in her community. Jiya is an accomplished dancer and has performed competitively in a variety of dance styles including hip hop, Indian classical, and Bollywood. Having danced since the age of 4, Jiya now teaches young dancers to become exceptional artists and confident young women. She also volunteers to tutor children in the early years, giving them gentle nudges to enjoy the learning process. Jiya always makes an effort to share her time, her kindness, and her positive energy with everyone around her.
...

I’m a busy girl, but in the best way. I have to keep a daily schedule because I have many activities to balance, and I love participating in every one of them. I'm a member of 9 clubs, I lead 2 other clubs, I’m a dance teacher, and I am dually enrolled in college and high school. Learning to manage my work has turned me into a Superwoman- there is nothing I cannot accomplish- as long as I have time for it!

I love sharing my passions. If I had to present a topic to a group of peers, I would choose the cultures of the world. I love traveling, but with COVID-19, I haven't been able to go anywhere, so I've started creating the experiences at home by studying the culture and watching documentaries about places around the world. It's been fun! I would recommend it.

Lessons as a Leader: Being a Dance Teacher

Through working with my students in dance class, they showed me that the only thing more important than accomplishing a goal is working with your team. When I started involving students in choreography, the routines we created were more beautiful and creative than my pieces because everybody contributed ideas.

The thing I love most about teaching dance is seeing students come back each season with better skills and character. The pride that my students award me with is a truly blissful feeling.

I think the thing that makes me different from other instructors is that I plan a technical goal (turns, facial expressions, etc.) and a personal growth goal (confidence, managing hard feelings, etc.) for every routine our class creates.

My Dance Career

I have been dancing since I was four, starting with Kathak- a classical Indian style of dance. I picked up Bollywood a few years later (and now I teach it!) and currently study both styles. Now, I am preparing for my first solo Kathak performance.

I have also been on a Hip-Hop competition team and a Fusion crew that performed at the United World Games in Austria.

The thing I love most about dance is the creative liberty to express myself through music and movement; it is truly liberating.

Project Beauty

Every time an impressionable girl checks social media, she is bombarded with images of society’s beauty standards. If she doesn’t fit those standards, she may question her own beauty. Once upon a time, I was that girl. It was easy for me to point out my insecurities, yet impossible for me to point out my assets because I didn’t look like the girls on social media. It took me years to learn that my natural self, not distorted by anyone else’s ideal image, is my most beautiful self.

When I heard about Project Beauty, I knew I had to participate so that I could help other girls learn what took me years to figure out. The message that Project Beauty conveys is so important in the digital age: embrace your natural beauty, and don’t let anyone else convince you that you are not beautiful. Growing teens are easily influenced by media, so it is important that we provide them with media that cultivates confidence, not comparisons.

My Favorite World Culture Documentaries

Baraka (1992) is a documentary with no dialogue- just footage of the cultural happenings of 24 countries. Experiencing this wordless culture felt meditative; peaceful, yet expanding my understanding of the world.

God Grew Tired of Us (2006) is another good one, following the surviving “Lost Boys of Sudan” as they adapt to life in the United States. The questions that the boys asked upon arriving in America intrigued me- their curiosities ranged from running water to monogamy. Sometimes it’s easy to forget how differently people live around the world, but I think it is important that we acknowledge and appreciate that.

Look for Jiya in issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Madden Diamond

11/20/2020

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Madden Diamond - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Caroline Diamond
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: My daughter is not a cheerleader; she doesn’t play soccer and you won’t find her on a field carrying a lacrosse stick. She is as tough as any of those players and then some. She has had speech difficulties her throughout her life. She began high school last year and if high school isn’t hard enough, she developed a stutter her 9th grade year. She attended a high school where she was bullied constantly and got up every morning and never complained. She got the best grades of her life. Even through all these hardships she is kind and prides herself on treating people the way you would like to be treated. My daughter has taught me not to allow those who are cruel and mean, to make you hard and mean yourself. Madden inspires me every day not to give up, not to allow a society who is judgmental to affect your path. I couldn't be prouder of the young lady Madden has become.

Image by Madden Diamond

If you get the opportunity to be interviewed, what would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would like to be interviewed about how important it is not worry so much about what others think. To follow your gut and believe in yourself.

Why do you feel like it's important to care more about what you think than about what others think?
It is important to love yourself flaws and all. Others don’t always have my best interest at heart. I feel this is the only way to truly be confident.
If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
It would be not to judge a book by its cover. I have/had a stutter and it’s important not judge others by their differences. I wish others would look at a difference as interesting and not just different.

Image by Madden Diamond

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am not sure when I decided to make some changes, but I have made it a point to try new things. Since making this decision I have participated in farming and Marley games at the high school I attended last year. This year I made photographer on my school newspaper. I am also now part of project beauty and am a Model Ambassador for Erica Land a photographer. All of these activities I would have been scared to try in the past. I am so proud that I have not allowed my fears to stop me.

How have you participated in farming and what do you like most about it? At my high school last year we planted crops and picked peppers. My group was outdoors working in the fields from 4:00-6:00 three days a week. I had never done anything like this before and enjoyed going out of my comfort zone.

Congratulations on making photographer for your school newspaper! What is one thing you've learned so far? Since Covid I am virtual so taking pictures for the paper have been put on hold a bit. I switched high schools this year and was thrilled to have been included in the paper. I am excited to get back to school and start shooting.

Look for Madden in issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Eva Castera-Martínez

11/18/2020

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Eva Castera-Martínez – Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Leilani Martínez
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Eva Castera-Martínez is a smart, kind, mature and clever girl. For Eva, inner beauty is about embracing who you are, and feeling proud about all those things that make us all unique and different. Eva feels very proud about her Puerto Rican heritage and background and likes to share her culture with all those around her. Being true to ourselves and not pretending to be who we are not is what makes us all beautiful inside and out.

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would like to be interviewed on inner and outer beauty and how social media ruins teens mental health.

How do you feel about inner and outer beauty, and why do you feel it's important for people to understand the difference within themselves?
I feel it’s important because you should know that you are different and you should be able to embrace it and not hide it. If you do so, you might be inspiring someone else to also embrace what’s unique about him or herself.

How do you feel social media ruins teen's mental health?
I think social media ruins teen’s mental health because on social media you see all these people who you might think are “prettier” than you and you need to look exactly like them. This can make you think that you are ugly or not enough when you are perfect and enough just the way you are.

Why did you join Erica Land's model team and what do you love most about it?
I joined her modeling team because I’ve seen all her work and how she makes every girl feel special and unique and the thing I love the most is that she embraces every person no matter how they look like.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
That I’m a brown girl and that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

What should people know about you that they might not see if they just look at you?
One thing I want people to know about me that they won’t see is that I’m more of an introvert but I like meeting new people! And for other introverts to feel comfortable with how they are. Nothing is wrong with you!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself living in New York attending NYU and pursuing dance.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I like to go to amusement parks and go on thrilling rides.

3 things on your bucket list
Live in New York city
Learn sign language
See many, many Broadway shows

Who do you find inspiring?
I find Misty Copeland inspiring because she is a dancer of color and she started to dance at an older age. She shows me that I can do anything I want if I you put my mind to it.

Look for Eva in issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Gabrielle Stephenson

11/18/2020

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Gabrielle Stephenson - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Emily Stephenson
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

I am Gabi. I feel that inner beauty is more important than outer beauty. There are many factors to a person that create inner beauty. Here are some of the things that make me beautiful: kindness, respect, modesty, purity, generosity, humility, honesty, and commitment. I do enjoy makeup and hair, but it’s not as important as feeling beautiful within. Some people feel outer beauty is more important but that is not accurate. I feel the type of friend I am, and the type of daughter I am, matters more.

I started ballet as a little girl, maybe 4 years old. Then I realized ballet was not for me and I was more of a hip hop/jazz kind of girl. I then joined another dance company, and I did a recital with them which really got me more excited about dance. About 3 years ago, I joined my current dance company, Next Level Studio, and I have been on their competition team ever since, doing jazz, poms, and hip hop!

I started modeling as a Teen Ambassador for Erica Land this past Summer. I did an individual shoot which was fun. It was the first time I really had professional photos taken. Erica makes the experience ten times better! I have made a bunch of new friends on the team too! Some of my favorite photo shoots were Project Beauty, the sunflower field shoot, and the paint shoot where we threw paint at each other and took pictures!

I have loved cooking for years! I first got started when my grandma used to make chicken soup with me. I often make dinner for my family, such as lamb stew, chicken, beef and shrimp kebabs, and tostadas (influenced by my Mexican au pairs!) I would tell others who want to try cooking, to be open to trying different types of foods! Go out of your comfort zone and put a lot of seasoning on your food!

A friend is someone that supports you and loves you no matter what, and isn't in the relationship just to compete with you. In the past, I have seen kids brag about themselves, and be rude to people that are supposedly their friends. That is not the point of a friend. We should be loved for who we are. Also, never change just because someone else thinks you should!

My bucket list: I want to travel to Italy and Africa, and I want to travel with my friends when I am old enough! I like to go to pretty places, experience their culture and eat their foods!

In 5 years, I see myself heading to college! I would like to go to school in California, because I like warm weather and the beach! I also see myself modeling and exploring a career in interior decorating. I like the artistic aspect of interior decorating. I often help my parents furnish and decorate our home!

Look for Gabrielle in issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Georgia Kontoyianis

11/6/2020

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Georgia Kontoyianis – Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Madison Evans
Photography by Gray Arrows Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Georgia Kontoyianis dances at Studio of Ballet Arts and Maryland Twisters Moco. She is always in such a positive mood no matter what! She strives to be the best of her best always and you can really tell when she is in a room because she lights it up with passion and joy! She makes me in a better mood just by the engird she puts off when she talks to you.

Photography by Gray Arrows Photography

Tell us about your dance career. How did you get started and who got you interested, who you dance for and why you've committed 10 years of your life to it.
I started dancing at the age of four at CM Dance Studio. I tried several sports when I was little, but dance brought me more joy than anything else. When I was 8, I got selected to be a part of my studio's dance team! This was the time in my dance career that I knew I wanted to always have dance in my life. I am currently dancing at Studio of Ballet Arts and Maryland Twisters MoCo. In my 10 years of dance it has been a struggle as I've gone through so many different injuries, which made me miss tons of dance competitions, recitals and dance classes. But, I persevere through the challenges and have dedicated myself to get back up again so that I can continue to express my joy and feelings through the art of dance.

What all styles of dance do you study and which is your favorite and why?
In my 10+ years of dancing I have studied multiple styles of dance. Including the styles of; ballet, jazz, tap, modern, lyrical, contemporary, jazz funk, hip-hop, pom, musical theater, and acrobatics. My favorite style of dance is contemporary because I love how I can move freely yet still be controlled enough to tell a story.

What is one of your favorite memories from dance?
My favorite memory from dance was going to my first competition at Kings Dominion with my first ever dance team. We got to spend the weekend at the parks and take only 30 minutes out of our day to compete. This was my favorite because I love theme parks and dance, so it was a win win for me!

Photography by Gray Arrows Photography

We love that you're involved in Student Government Association, Peer Connection Ambassador. What are your roles in each and what do you love most about being a leader in those environments?
Currently (November 2020), I am running for my school's SGA president. We started our SGA program in late October this year due to being in a virtual learning setting and the COVID-19. In our last meeting we got to speak with one of our SMOB's representatives about recurring events in our county and our school as a whole.
Next, as a Peer Connections Ambassador I organize events for my school, compose different clubs, and if we were physically in school, I would be running orientation for new students! Both the SGA and Peer Connection Ambassador Program work hand and hand with making my school a better and safer place, that is why I chose to join them!

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why? (What do you feel passionate about or could talk forever about?)
If I were to present a topic to a group of my peers I would choose talking about mental health. I chose this because I feel like in today's society there are not many resources being enforced for adolescents and adults about mental health awareness. Having a mental illness is frowned upon, which is horrible! I strongly believe that it's not the person's fault that they have the mental illness, and the environment around them has to help them succeed and preserve through the challenges.

Photography by Gray Arrows Photography

3 Things on your bucket list
Visit the Northern Lights
Road trip to all 50 states
Go through 100 pairs of pointe shoes

How do you keep your schedule straight when you are so busy?
Things I do to keep my schedule straight when I am busy is to write everything I'm doing in my phone calendar and a physical planner. I color code different classes for school, dance classes, and chores.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
A favorite pastime is painting and drawing.

How does your Greek heritage impact your life?
My Greek Heritage has impacted me in many different ways. I have had the honor of growing up in a Greek household and embracing all the traditions. I have traveled to Crete, Greece many times and I speak the language as well. Growing up it was instilled in me the importance of family. Also, knowing how Greece has impacted the world from the beginning of time is also something to be proud of!

Look for Georgia in issue 40 of Inspiring Teens!

Click here for more information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Sienna Ni

10/29/2020

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Sienna Ni - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Dana Ni
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Sienna Ni is a high school freshman who uses her love of dance to inspire others. She was one of the few 8th graders on her school system's All-County Dance Ensemble and was awarded the Most Valuable Pom by her Poms team due to her leadership, confidence, and positivity. In addition, she recently performed solo at a virtual gala for the Rockville Women's Center, a non-profit organization that serves and supports women with unplanned pregnancies. Through her expressive dance, Sienna was able to influence others by encouraging emotional and financial support for women in crisis.

Photography by Erica Land Photography

It sounds like you are on a lot of different dance teams! Tell us about them and what makes them different.
I am currently on two different dance teams in Maryland. I compete on the Maryland Twisters Senior Poms team, and I just started on my high school’s virtual Poms team. My MD Twisters coaches and teammates are like family since we’ve been together for years! And being on my high school’s team is a dream come true. I was also the only student from my middle school to be on the All County Dance Ensemble during the 2019-2020 school year, which meant a lot to meet students from other schools with a similar love of dance.

Tell us about your solo at the Rockville Women's Center. How did you get it and how did you do it virtually?
My solo at the Rockville Women’s Center’s Gala was a great opportunity for me to dance and raise money for women struggling with unplanned pregnancies. My aunt works at the Center and asked if I would be willing to dance a lyrical solo. Because of COVID, my performance had to be recorded in an empty auditorium. The Center then included my dance in their virtual gala that aired in October.

Photography by Erica Land Photography

A fellow Disney Fan?! Tell us about your love of Disney and how you combine it with your love of dance.
I have been to Disney World almost every year since I’ve been born! I am a Disney fanatic!! I love to perform dances to Disney music and take dance photos with Mickey ears. The entire time I did my individual dance photoshoot with Erica Land, we played Disney music on her speaker to make me feel comfortable and relaxed! I plan to join the Disney College Program and become a Disney cast member!

Photography by Erica Land Photography

How did you get hooked on Star Wars? What do you love most about Star Wars?
I have been hooked on Star Wars since my uncle and cousins took me to see “The Force Awakens”. My bedroom is decorated with Star Wars – I even have a 6 foot Kylo Ren cutout! I love watching the movies over and over, especially the lightsaber scenes so I can learn how to use mine!

Photography by Erica Land Photography

Tell us more about Hope's Journey. How do you help it?
Hope’s Journey is my aunt and uncle’s non-profit organization that is working to end homelessness in the DC area. They are building a small community of four homes called Hope Preserve. They want to restore hope to the families that will live there. I have volunteered at their fundraising events, including making all the table centerpieces one year. Last month, I helped provide lunch for those working to clear the land for the new homes.

Look for Sienna in issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 39

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Sophia Briles

8/21/2020

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Sophia Briles – Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Melissa Briles
Photography by Gray Arrows Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Sophia Briles is a very humble, supportive, and hard-working person who inspires me daily. She has always been a very grounded human, she is not one to boast on herself, but will be the first person to show love and congratulatory excitement to her friends and family. Sophia's work ethic is like no other, specifically for her love for dance. She thrives on working privately and in class on new choreography with her amazing dance teachers and mentors at Level Dance Project in Annapolis, MD. Sophia lives by the saying "Practice like you have never won and perform like you have never lost".

Photography by Gray Arrows Photography

How old were you when you started dancing? Who or what inspired you to start?
I was 3 years old when I started dancing and my mom inspired me to start because she was also a dancer.

What is your favorite memory that you have made through dance?
My favorite memory that I have made through dance is going to The Dance Awards in Las Vegas last summer.

What keeps you grounded and so determined to keep practicing?
I stay determined by thinking about all the great things that can happen from working hard.

Photography by Gray Arrows Photography

Tell me more about the activities that you do outside of dance?
When I am not dancing, I enjoy painting and making bracelets, I just started both activities recently and I hope to continue them in the future!

I know that you play piano, how long have you been doing this?
I have been playing piano for 4 years and I have performed in recitals twice a year with my teacher and fellow students.

What are some goals that you have for your future? Do you know what you want to be when you are older? Would you like to continue dancing?
One goal that I have is to win “Best Dancer” at The Dance Awards. I would definitely like to continue dancing and be a professional dancer when I grow up!

Photography by Gray Arrows Photography

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
One of the hardest things I've ever accomplished is keeping straight A’s throughout my entire 6th grade year. I achieved this by preparing for tests, making corrections to my assignments when allowed, and keeping track of when assignments are due.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today? • I would advise that commitment and hard work is the key to success.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In 5 years, I hope to still be dancing, getting straight A’s, and being in the National Junior Honor Society.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I enjoy going on bike rides and tubing on our family boat.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I have recently discovered that I am good at drawing and painting.

Photography by Gray Arrows Photography

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
If I could present a topic to my peers, I would present dance! While presenting I would explain that dance is a great way to relieve stress and express yourself through movement. I would also emphasize how ballet is the key ingredient to all forms of dance!

3 things on your bucket list:
• Dance professionally as an adult
• I hope to go to a college that focuses on the arts and I can major in dance.
• Learn and perform choreography by the dancers/choreographers I idolize such as Lucy Vallely,
Easton Blake, and Lauren Yakima.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find Lucy Vallely, Easton Blake, and Lauren Yakima inspiring because their style of dance is unique and original.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I find that other people are inspired by my hard work ethic, my ability to pick up choreography quickly, and apply corrections when they are given.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I am very excited to be given the opportunity to be featured in the Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Sophia will be featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more info on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Nadia Wilde

8/20/2020

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Nadia Wilde - Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Lauren Wilde
Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Nadia is a very hard working and dedicated dancer. Her love and passion for dance has helped her achieve many of her goals. She loves finding inspiration from her teammates, teachers, and professional dancers. She also continues to excel in her academics and places high priority on academic achievements. Even while balancing dance and school, she still finds time to be a great big sister!

Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

How old were you when you started dancing? What or who inspired you to start?
I was 2 1/2. I started at a studio call Triple Threat, I learned ballet and tap. I also did weekend workshops learning Singing and Acting. Ms. Paula was the owner/instructor. She inspired me to be comfortable on stage and preform with expression and passion. I started dancing at Level Dance Project when I was 6. My teachers and Peers continue to inspire me every day. I have grown so much. I am very thankful for all my opportunities.

Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

What is your favorite memory from dancing on your dance team? Why is it your favorite?
A few years ago at nationals our large group Jazz dance came in 5th place, which qualified us for the battle. We were very proud for getting 5th place, but we got the chance to compete again. At the awards ceremony for the battle, they play the music of the winning dance. Once we heard the first beat of the music, we knew it was ours. We came in first! I loved that dance! It was my favorite memory because we got the opportunity to preform our dance again and make it the best we could! #steamheat

What is the lesson that Dance has taught you, that you want to share with other? Why is that message so important to you?
Dance has taught me that I am not perfect, and I don’t have to be perfect. I work hard every day and in order to get better, I have to be teachable. Getting corrections is very important to me. Corrections help me get better, stronger, and it keeps me grounded.

Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Tell me more about your other hobbies. When did you start them and what do you like so much about them?
I love to Sew and Knit. My grandmother taught me when I was 7 or 8. I love making things for people, lately i’ve been making masks. Maybe one day I will be able to make dancewear or costumes.

Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

What are some goals that you have for your future? Do you want to continue dancing the older you get?
I would love to continue dancing. Broadway is a big dream for me! I would love to feel the energy of that stage. I’ve seen quite a few shows and I have so much respect for their talent. I would love to continue dancing!

Nadia will be featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 37

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Angela Cox

Angela Cox – Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Karen Cox
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jiya Arora

Jiya Arora – Maryland
Nomination by Jiya Laxmi Arora
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madden Diamond

Madden Diamond - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Caroline Diamond
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Eva Castera-Martínez

Eva Castera-Martínez – Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Leilani Martínez
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Gabrielle Stephenson

Gabrielle Stephenson - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Emily Stephenson
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Georgia Kontoyianis

Georgia Kontoyianis – Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Madison Evans
Photography by Gray Arrows Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sienna Ni

Sienna Ni - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Dana Ni
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sophia Briles

Sophia Briles – Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Melissa Briles
Photography by Gray Arrows Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nadia Wilde

Nadia Wilde - Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Lauren Wilde
Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Angela Cox – MarylandInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Karen CoxPhotography by Erica Land PhotographyIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Jiya Arora – MarylandNomination by Jiya Laxmi AroraPhotography by Erica Land PhotographyIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Madden Diamond - MarylandInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Caroline DiamondPhotography by Erica Land PhotographyIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Eva Castera-Martínez – MarylandInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Leilani MartínezPhotography by Erica Land PhotographyIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Gabrielle Stephenson - MarylandInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Emily StephensonPhotography by Erica Land PhotographyIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Georgia Kontoyianis – MarylandInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Madison EvansPhotography by Gray Arrows PhotographyIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Sienna Ni - MarylandInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Dana NiPhotography by Erica Land PhotographyIssue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Sophia Briles – MarylandInterview by Olivia BushNomination by Melissa BrilesPhotography by Gray Arrows PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Nadia Wilde - MarylandInterview by Olivia BushNomination by Lauren WildePhotography by Jeri Tidwell Dance PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​ ​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Angela Cox – Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Karen Cox
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jiya Arora – Maryland
Nomination by Jiya Laxmi Arora
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madden Diamond - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Caroline Diamond
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Eva Castera-Martínez – Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Leilani Martínez
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Gabrielle Stephenson - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Emily Stephenson
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Georgia Kontoyianis – Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Madison Evans
Photography by Gray Arrows Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sienna Ni - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Dana Ni
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sophia Briles – Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Melissa Briles
Photography by Gray Arrows Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nadia Wilde - Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Lauren Wilde
Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine